Accessibility Links

How much are your LPs worth?

Pete Paphides, the host of 6 Music’s Vinyl Revival, explains how old 45s can be a great investment - and great listening

January 20 2012, 12:01am, The Times

Pete Paphides at home with his records

The sensation of being Charlie Bucket and unwrapping the Wonka bar with the golden ticket may never happen to me. But, in 30 years of record collecting — I now have 50,000 — there are moments that have been close.

Finding an original copy of Davy Graham’s 3/4 AD EP — featuring Angi, the song that kick-started the Sixties folk-guitar revival — was one such moment. Happening upon a copy of the Beatles’ Revolver, matrix number XEX 606-1, for £20 was another. This was the pressing that featured a different take of Tomorrow Never Knows: some 20 seconds longer, with more piano, a clearer vocal from John and wiggier sound effects. Typical auction price: £400.